Bendable Wire Frame

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes a frame made from a plurality of strands. The strands have a certain length, which may or may not be equal. The three or more strands run substantially in parallel to each other forming a length of said frame and held together by a length of at least one other strand spirally wound about the three parallel strands. An ornament comprising of full or partial length of the frame is attached thereto and is completed in a shape of a ribbon of a pattern, such as a leaf branch. A flexible tie forms a strip of flexible material that attaches the ribbon to the frame, which may also include a comb. The frame may be ring like or may have distal ends. Both the frame and the ribbon of ornament are able to be co-twisted when attached together and retain the end shape of the twisting by a user, who may also re-twist both into any shape, any number of times.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wreaths, headbands anddecorative hair combs, and specifically to a frame for making flexibleheadbands wreaths and combs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of wreaths, headbands and combs is widespread and well known.The most basic purposes of these devices are to hold hair back and awayfrom wearer's eyes, to frame a wearers face, and to generally organizeand maintain a wearer's hear style in a particular pattern. Typically,these ornaments include a band designed to fee a certain head size and adecorative design or ornament permanently attached to the band.

Usually the band is a one size fits all arch, or a ring in case of awreath, which is straddled on top of a wearer's head. Such a band or aring is usually made of metal or plastic, and is not intended to betwisted or shaped by the wearer. While the bands known in the art areintended to have some “play” to achieve a closer fit on the user's head,they are not intended to assume a different shape beyond the originalmold. Another downside of the existing devices is that the devices aregeared to an average head and an average head size. The necessarystiffness of conventional devices also gives them a bulky bulging lookthat is at variance with the rest of the wearer's hear, which is neatlybrushed and flowing.

On the contrary, the present invention is designed to assume a pluralityof different shapes. A flat, flush profile and a flexible characteristicof the frame actually molds the device embodied by the present on to theuser's hair, creating a clean, polished, festive look. The wearer neednot keep the original item as a band or a ring, but may twist one partof it to form an angle. This angle can be placed on the forehead or hungoff to the side to create an additional element of originality orcharacter for the wearer. Additionally, the wearer can keep twisting andplaying with the appearance of the band or wreath, until an optimal lookis achieved, and then promptly change this look into something elsewithout retaining any memory of any prior flexing, or undermining thestructural strength of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

US Pat. App. 20040146664 discloses a decorative attachment, such as alighting string or an ornament, to a branch of a natural or artificialtree or wreath, a twist tie has a wire spine and has artificial foliage,which conceals the wire spine and which simulates foliage of the branch.

US Pat. App. 20120125360 which describes a headband includes a flexibleband, a meta strip mounted on the flexible band, and at least oneinterchangeable decorative ornament having a magnet. The headband iscapable of producing multiple looks because of its ability totemporarily accept interchangeable decorative ornaments through magneticattraction.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,635 discloses a reusable wreath which allows easyattachment and detachment of accessories. A strip of VELCRO® is woundaround the wreath base to permit easy arrangement and adjustment ofaccessories.

Various implements, besides the ones mentioned explicitly, are known inthe art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the inventiondescribed herein One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a frame made from a plurality ofstrands. The strands have a certain length, which may or may not beequal. The three or more strands run substantially in parallel to eachother forming a length of said frame and held together by a length of atleast one other strand spirally wound about the three parallel strands.An ornament comprising of full or partial length of the frame isattached thereto and is completed in a shape of a ribbon of a pattern,such as a leaf branch. A flexible tie forms a strip of flexible materialthat attaches the ribbon to the frame. Both the frame and the ribbon ofornament are able to be co-twisted when attached together and retain theend shape of the twisting by a user, who may also re-twist both into anyshape, any number of times.

It is an object of the present invention to create an easily adaptableand utilitarian frame for head decorations.

It is another object of the present invention to create a twistable, lowprofile wreath, band, comb or any personal decorative device thatassumes a plurality of shapes and molds to the head or body of wearer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to create a bendableframe that retains the shape into which it was twisted.

Yet another object of the present invention is to create a frame thatmay be twisted without undermining the tensile strength of theindividual members of the frame or strands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the decorative device for head shown as awreath.

FIG. 2 is a close-up diagram of the parallel strands and the spiralstrand forming a frame.

FIG. 3 is a frame beneath the wreath decorative device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the reverse side of the decorative device with alength of the adornment ribbon partially covering the frame.

FIG. 5 is a close-up diagram of the reverse side of the decorativedevice.

FIG. 6 is a completed device forming a comb with decorative top portionor a full tiara.

FIG. 7 is a completed multi-curved hair decoration.

FIG. 8A is a close up diagram demonstrating the details of the frame.

FIG. 8B is a close up diagram of FIG. 8A with adornment ribbon beingattached with a flexible strand of material.

FIG. 9 demonstrates the close up of the reverse side of the presentinvention, illustrating how multiple frames are connected to each otherand how a comb is connected to the frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the variousfigures are identified with the same reference numerals. Elementsappearing, in a list as A, B, and C are to be read as A or B or C andvisa versa.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the presentinvention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of thepresent invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact,those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading thepresent specification and viewing the present drawings that variousmodifications and variations can be made thereto.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, thefigures illustrate a personal decorative device 10, which in FIG. 1 isshown as a combination between the decorative ribbon 70 and frame 20.The decorative device 10 in FIG. 1 is shown as a wreath is placed overthe crown of a wearer head, forming a complete ring about the base of awearer's head. The preferred width 22 of the decorative ribbon ofornament 70 is in the range between 1/16^(th) of an inch and 2 inches,with the preferred radius 23 being between 2 and 18 inches.

FIG. 1 demonstrates the decorative device 10 in the form of a wreath. Itis shown as a circle. However, based on the structure of the frame 20and the ribbon 70, the shown circle can be twisted and distorted to forman ellipse or a shape having many bends, including a downward curve 24,such as making a downward or upward pointing angle (not shown), or anoutward curve 25. Twistable and bendable frame 20 allows the wreath toclosely trace the natural curvature of a wearer's hair and any bumps andlumps specific to a hair style. There may be any number of downwardcurves 24 or inward/outward curves 25 at any point along thecircumference 26, since the frame 20 and ribbon of adornment 70 areco-twistable with respect to each other.

The frame 20 is preferably formed by placing at least three strands 30of wire in parallel to each other, with at least one additional strand60 spiraling about the parallel strands 30, The spiraling strand 60 iswound at an angle 36 with respect to the linear axis 38. The angle 36may vary based on, the degree of stiffness required for the decorativedevice 10, The angle 36 also varies based on the frequency of thespirals, which also vary based on the required number strands offlexible material 80 (later figs) that attach the ornament ribbon 70(FIG. 1) to the frame 20. Additional parallel strands 30 or spiralstrands 60 may be added as necessary or desirable,

The parallel strands 30 and the spiraling strand 60 are preferably madefrom a metallic material, which resists damage and yet is ductile andmalleable to be easily plied by a user into a desired shape, with theshape then retained until untwisted or changed the wearer. The preferredmaterial for strands 30 and 60 is mixture of wires of copper or tin, ora copper and tin alloy, or any other alloy having the desired ductilityand durability qualities of the preferred materials, such as an alloy ofgold or silver in combination with other metals.

The preferred diameter of the wires 30 and 60 may be in the range of 18and 28 gauge wire of either the Standard Wire Gauge, American Wire Gaugeor Jewelry Standard Wire Gauge. The three wire combination with oneadditional for spiraling provides for maximum flexibility andinconspicuousness of the frame 20. However, additional number of strands30 or 60 may be used to either increase strength or to alter the shapeof the frame 20. While the spiraling strand 60 is shown as flowing inone direction 37, there may be additional strands flowing in the same oropposite direction, creating a crisscross design on the frame 20.

FIG. 3 demonstrates the circular frame 20 with first and second ends 35and 40 being clamped down to form a complete ring. The first end 35 andthe second end 40 may have a clasp to form a non-permanent ring. Tolimit manufacturing costs, the first and second ends 35 and 40 may beconnected by crimping. The diameter or width 21 of the frame 20 ispreferable in the range of one and a half millimeters and onecentimeter.

The length 51 of the strip of the decorative ribbon 70 may be differentthan the overall length 50 (FIG. 4) of the frame 20. As such, there maybe ribbons 70 representing two or more different patterns attached tothe frame 20 along its length 50. Alternatively, the length 50 may onlybe partially covered, for example along the segment at the top of thehead, with the uncovered part hidden underneath layers of wearer's hair.The relatively small diameter 21 of the frame 20 easily lends itself toconcealment by hair, if this feature becomes desired.

FIG. 5 demonstrates how the strand of flexible material SO attaches theribbon like ornament 70. Shown is the reverse side 16 of the personaldecorative device 10, as the combination of a frame 20 and a ribbon ofornament 70. This side of the personal decorative device 10 faces thehair of the wearer, with the top side 15 (FIG. 1) facing the onlooker.The strand of flexible material 80 is preferably a wire, having the sameor different gauge as the strands 30 and 60 of the frame 20. Thematerial may also be of the same color as the ribbon 70, the frame 20,alternatively all three can match. The strand of flexible material 80may be a continuous wire or may be a series of ties along. the length ofthe ribbon 70. The ribbon ornament 70 is preferably a pattern featuringa plurality of wide patterns 17 and a plurality of narrow patterns 18.An example of patterns may be a leaf pattern as shown or as a leaf andstem pattern demonstrated in other figures. Any number of patterns isavailable, such as flowers, pears, beads, geometric shapes, charms orcircles. To maximize the discreet and nearly invisible manner with whichthe ribbon ornament 70 is attached to the frame 20, the strand offlexible material 80 is wound around the narrow section 18 of theornament 70. For a pattern featuring leaves and stems, a thickerflexible tie 80 may be used as it can be more readily concealed. On thecontrary, a thinner gauge wire or tie 80 may be used to attach a leafpattern that does not provide much overlapping elements to assist withconcealment.

FIG. 6 demonstrates another embodiment of the present invention. WhereasFIG. 1 demonstrated a wreath, FIG. 6 discloses the same inventiveconcept applied to a comb or a tiara. The frame 20 is not visible due toextensive overlap by the ribbon ornament 70. There are actually severalsegments of ribbon ornament 70 and frame 20 combinations, For exampleframe 20A supporting ribbon 70A is coupled to frame 20B that issupporting ribbon ornament 70B. Similarly, ribbon 70C attached to frame20C is connected to frame 20B. Also attached to the frame 20B, or theribbon ornament 70B is the comb 110 made of a plurality of parallelprotrusions 100. The protrusions 100 may be all of equal or unequallength. The width 112 of the comb 110 may be the same or different thanthe overall length of the frame 20B.

The high degree of flexibility of the frame 20 and of the ribbonornament 70 allows the ornament shown in FIG. 6 appear very natural andlifelike. For example, the manufacturer or wearer, may have decided tointroduce a downward curve 24 on the distal ends 24C of the embodimentshown in FIG. 6. Since this is a leafy branch pattern, such a downwardcurve 24 appears very authentic since branches are weighed down andgenerally are oriented downward by the force of gravity. On the otherhand, if this would be a flower pattern, perhaps there would be anupward curve instead of the downward curve 24. In the present invention,the change between the downward branch and an upward flower is one twistaway of the frame 20.

FIG. 7 demonstrates a multi-curved head decoration. The personaldecorative device 10 is not isolated to just head adornments but may beused as necklace, bracelet, anklet or ring. In the present embodimentthere is a one main frame 20, joined by supplemental branches 20A and20B that are tied together with the main branch 20 The distal ends 24Cfeature a pair of combs 110. The combs 110 are used to secure themulti-curved head decoration at multiple points along wearer's head toensure a flat, uniform fit,

The ribbon adornment 70 is made of a highly flexible material, which mayor may not have memory qualities. Preferably, the ribbon adornment 70 ismade at least partially out of metal or an alloy. It may then be platedwith gold, silver or platinum, and further encrusted with beads, pears,crystals or gems. The ribbon adornment 70 may also be made from cloth ormultiple segments of detached ribbon. In which case, the frame 20 willbe providing the structure behind the curvature of the device 10.

FIGS. 8A and 8B disclose the method of manufacturing a device embodiedby the present invention. As in the initial step 200, several strands 30are positioned substantially in parallel to each other. Then in step 201at least one other strand 60 is wound in a spiral fashion about theparallel strands 30 forming the frame 20. At this point the first end 30and the second end 40 may be twisted to meet each other to form a ring.Otherwise, the process proceeds to the step of placing at least oneribbon adornment 70 in proximity with the frame 20 (FIG. 8A). The ribbonadornment 70 need not run in precise correlation with frame 20, but maybe placed perpendicularly in direction 202 or at an angle with respectto the linear axis 201 of the frame 20. At least one comb 110 may beattached in addition to the ribbon 70. The comb 110 may be attached fromfront side 15 or the reverse side 16.

FIG. 9 provides a more focused and concentrated diagram of the reverseside 16. Shown are several separate segments of the frame 20, namely, atsegment 20C and 20B, which are connected with the primary frame 20. Thebase 115 of the comb 110 is also attached to the frame 20. The strand offlexible material 80 is used to hold the multiple frames 20, the ribbonadornment 70 and the comb 110 together as one unit. Based on thisstructure of the present invention, a wearer or maker may add or untothe overall frame 20 as many additional accents, designs, variations andelaborations to the frame 20 and still be able to secure everythingtogether into one cohesive decorative article.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure hasbeen made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in thedetails of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A personal decorative device comprising; a frame,said frame having a plurality of strands of non-equal lengths, each saidstrand within said plurality of strands having a first end and a secondend; wherein at least three. of said strands are organized substantiallyin parallel to each other forming a length of said frame, said at leastthree of said strands being held together by a length of at least oneother of said strands spirally wound about said at least three of saidstrands; and wherein said frame is retentively twistable no a pluralityof shapes at any of multiple points along said length,
 2. The personaldecorative device of claim 1, further comprising at least one ribbon ofornament running over a length of said frame, said at least one ribbonof ornament attached to said frame by a strand of flexible material; andwherein said frame and said at least one ribbon of ornament areretentively co-twistable into a plurality of shapes at any of multiplepoints along said length and corresponding said at least one ribbon ofornament.
 3. The decorative device of claim 2, wherein said first endand said second end of said at least two of said strands are fastenedtogether to form a wreath.
 4. The decorative device of claim 1, furthercomprising a strip of pointed projections emanating in one directionfrom said length, wherein said strip of pointed projections forming acomb.
 5. The decorative device of claim 2, further comprising a strip ofpointed projections emanating in one direction from said ribbon, whereinsaid strip of pointed projections forming a comb.
 6. The personaldecorative device of claim 2, wherein said length and said at least oneribbon are co-twisted into a shape forming a headband, a tiara, amulti-curved hair decoration.
 7. The personal decorative device of claim1, wherein each of said strands is made in a range starting from 18 to28 gauge wire. S. The personal decorative device of claim 7, whereineach of said strands is made of copper and tin alloy.
 9. The personaldecorative device of claim 7, wherein said strands are a combination ofcopper and tin strands.
 10. The personal decorative device of claim 2,wherein said strand of flexible material is same from same material assaid plurality of strands; and wherein said at least one ribbon ofornament is made of a wide pattern and a narrow pattern; wherein saidstrand of flexible material is wound about a portion of said narrowpattern.
 11. The personal decorative device of claim 2, wherein saidframe is combined with at least said one other frame to form anappearance of stem and branches.
 12. The personal decorative device ofclaim 11, further comprising a strip of pointed projections emanating inone direction from said length, wherein said strip of pointedprojections forming a comb.
 13. A combination decorative devicecomprising: a frame, said frame having a plurality of strands oflengths; each said strand within said plurality of strands having afirst end and a second end; wherein at least three of said strands areorganized substantially in parallel to each other forming a length ofsaid frame, said at least three of said strands being hold together by alength of at least one other of said strands spirally wound about saidat least three of said strands; at least one ribbon of ornament runningover a length of said frame, said at least one ribbon of ornamentattached to said frame by a strand of flexible material; and whereinsaid frame and said at least one ribbon of ornament are retentivelyco-twistable into a plurality of shapes at any of multiple points alongsaid length and corresponding said at least one ribbon.
 14. Thecombination decorative device of claim 13, wherein each of said strandsis made of range of 18-28 gauge wire; and wherein said strands are acombination of copper and tin strands.
 15. The combination decorativedevice of claim 13, wherein said strand of flexible material is madefrom same material as said plurality of strands; and wherein said atleast one ribbon of ornament is made of a wide pattern and a narrowpattern; wherein said strand of flexible material is wound about aportion of said narrow pattern.
 16. The combination decorative device ofclaim 13, wherein said first end and said second end of said at leasttwo of said strands are fastened together to form a wreath.
 17. Thecombination decorative device of claim 13, wherein said frame iscombined with at least said one other frame to form an appearance ofstem and branches,
 18. The combination decorative device of claim 17,further comprising a strip of pointed projections emanating in onedirection from said length, wherein said strip of pointed projectionsforming a comb.
 19. A method of forming a decorative head adornmentcomprising: taking at least three strands of wire having: a first endand a second end and laying them in parallel next to each other;spirally winding at least one other strand of wire about said at leastthree strands; taking a ribbon of an adornment pattern and laying saidribbon against a length of said at least three strands; and winding astrand of flexible material about narrow elements of said ribbon andabout said at least three strands to attach said ribbon thereto.
 20. Amethod of forming a decorative head adornment of claim 19, furthercomprising a step of attaching said first end to said second end forminga wreath.